Last Friday on the heels of a very bad week in Parliament for the Harper Conservatives; MP Tony Clement announced and re-announced FedNor grants in his riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka.

“Today’s announcement reinforces our government’s resolve to support the long-term prosperity of the Parry Sound-Muskoka area,” Clement said, of the money some of which had already been committed and was flowing.

“Not only is this funding an essential part of our government’s vision for a stronger, more diverse economy, it is also an important investment that will help support this region’s hardworking families and local businesses.”

Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre will receive $1,071,000 in local initiative and operational funding, allowing the local CFDC to provide services that support economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business services, and strategic community planning and development. In addition, the organization will also receive $22,500 to support infrastructure improvements at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport.

The Village of Burk’s Falls got $21,000 to complete a feasibility study that will identify potential opportunities associated with the construction of a new central community education complex and its viability.

Muskoka Community Network - $539,200 total, $491,200 in operational funding to support and expand its regional ICT Network. MCN will coordinate the deployment of broadband services in unserviced communities and deliver a variety of ICT-related services and training opportunities to residents and businesses throughout its service area.

MCN got $48,000 FedNor funding in October to host Ontario’s Digital Economy Conference, a pan-provincial ICT conference that took place in Huntsville.

Muskoka Trails Council received $27,500 in FedNor funding allowing the Council to hire a FedNor Youth Intern to assist with Web development, community relations, and to facilitate training programs and workshops related to trails development.

Afterwards Clement  told reporters he wasn’t worried about losing his job: “my job’s serving the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka,” he said of concerns about losing his new Industry cabinet job.

He admitted the Tories made some “mistakes” but that they have addressed them – although he said he still believes cutting the funding of parties with $1.95 per vote is the right thing to do.